James Cletus Keller

James C. Keller James C. "Jim Keller passed away April 14, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 30, 1929 in Girardville, Pennsylvania, the son of Cletus and Loretta Keller. He is survived by the love of his life and beloved wife of nearly 56 years, Lucy Ann Keller; his seven children and their spouses, Cecilia Keller and Dave Sanders, Frank and Cindy Keller, Patrick and Beate Keller, Loretta and Jeff Stark, Jim and Carolyn Keller, Michael and Mimi Keller, Mark and Terri Keller; twenty-one grandchildren; and one great grandson. He was predeceased by his parents, and his beloved son, Tim Keller. Jim joined the military at age 17 and served proudly and honorably in the Air Force for more than 25 years, achieving the highest rank possible for an enlisted man, Chief Master Sergeant. He was awarded Airman of the Year twice during his career. While in the military he experienced the world and moved his family to Europe and many places in the United States. Jim and Lucy continued to travel throughout their life together and visited many different parts of the world. While in the Air Force he entered into the Operation Bootstrap Program and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History from the University of Albuquerque. Following graduation and retirement, he went to work for the Internal Revenue Service, where he worked for 16 years. Jim��?�s trademarks in both his military and civil service careers were honesty and integrity. He retired in Albuquerque, New Mexico and after moving into his last home, he and Lucy joined Risen Savior Catholic Community, where Jim was involved with the RCIA program and the Knights of Columbus, and where Jim and Lucy were very active in the community. Jim was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and his family. He loved a crowd and was happiest when surrounded by his kids and grand kids. Of course, they provided an appreciative audience for his corny jokes! Jim was passionate about knowledge and stressed to his children the importance of receiving a good education. He was an example to his children; he received his Bachelor of Arts degree at the age 42. He encouraged his children to work hard and he applauded their achievements. He frequently spoke proudly of their accomplishments; often to the embarrassment of his children. All of his children were aware of his love and pride in them. Jim��?�s love of life also included fishing, camping, reading, and traveling. He thoroughly enjoyed his annual fishing trips with his sons. Although the amount of fish caught may have been exaggerated, many fishing stories were born! After retirement, Jim continued his adventures; he and Lucy traveled the United States with the Siglo R.V. Club. Jim gave all who knew and loved him great happiness and joy. He was a devoted and loving husband, a fantastic father, a fabulous grandfather, and a great friend. He loved to laugh and loved to have fun, doing everything he did with zest and zeal. He was a great example of "living out your faith. Jim will be dearly missed by many for a long, long time. A Rosary will be held at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd., N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109 on April 20, 2012 at 6:30 pm with a eulogy following the rosary. A funeral mass will begin at 7:00 pm. Please join us as we celebrate Jim��?�s life and place him in the hands of the Lord. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer��?�s Association, New Mexico Chapter, www.alz.org/newmexico. Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010